31 Days of Training - Day 13

We got a lot of training in today ...

First, I took Teddy to the club so I could teach my last class for the winter session.  We just had a few minutes before it was time to set up the class course, so Teddy did a couple reps of "ready - set - go" over a set of three jumps.

When we came back home, Annie and Louie were ready and eager to have their turn to play.  Louie worked on the "bang it" game again.  He is catching on quickly.  We also worked "ready - set - go" with the plank and did some weaves.

Annie worked on down/stay first, since that wasn't going very well yesterday.  Today, she did them much better.  We also worked heeling and recalls.  I was playing around yesterday and today and discovered that she knows how to back up pretty well!  We used to practice that against a wall, but now she is getting really good at doing it without the wall right next to her.  What a good girl!

Teddy got another turn to play.  He did "ready - set - go" with the plank and did some recalls and sends thru the weaves.

I was just browsing my pictures folder and found these pictures from several years ago ... just had to share:

Here's a link to a picture of Louie from this past weekend .. he really can fly:  Louie Sunday Jumpers

31 Days of Training - Day 2 (yesterday)

I didn't think a tough day would come so soon - but it did ... on the second day. I really didn't feel like doing much, except hang out, watch TV, and take naps. Things my dogs enjoy too.

I did get a lot of hanging out, TV watching, and napping done, but I also worked with my dogs too. I couldn't skip the SECOND day of a training challenge I created!!!

The boys and I played and did some trick training. They each have a bunch of tricks that they know. Some they haven't worked in a while.

Annie was enjoying a nice nap. I didn't want to disturb the princess.

When I first took Louie (the oldest) to puppy kindergarten, the instructor gave us a homework assignment: learn a trick. I was able to teach Louie to sneeze on command. No, I didn't come up with the idea myself; I watched a show on Animal Planet where someone did the same thing. Give the dog a treat when he sneezes. I tried it and worked with him to understand the command "sneeze."

Now, Louie will offer an over-exaggerated AH-CHOO when he wants something. I created a sneezing monster.

Louie can:
- Sneeze on command
- Bark on command
- High five
- Roll over
- Go "nite nite" (lay on his side)
- Jump up and touch my hand with his nose
- Go between my legs "through"
- Get in his "house" (kennel)
- Get his ball / green guy

Annie can:
- High five
- Roll over
- Go to her kennel

Teddy can:
- High five
- Stand on his hind legs and "twirl" around
- Go between my legs "through"
- Jump into my arms
- Bark at howl at "strangers" when I say "What was that?"
- Go to his kennel






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31 Days of Training - Day One

I created a training challenge on my Shih Tzu Agility blog called 31 Days of Training.  Each day, participants practice "something" with their dog(s) - agility, obedience, tricks, manners.  Just a little bit each day makes a difference and strengthens the dog/owner bond.

Today was "Day One" - here is my training session:

Louie - worked contacts (running on a board) and weaves - channel (six poles) and weave entrances.

Note to self: It's difficult to take pictures (and train).  Just don't have enough free arms.  Use the tripod and the remote.

Teddy: Worked weaves (send thru the channel weaves) using the Ready Treat remote trainer.

Annie: Couldn't wait for her turn.  Was so excited she nearly jumped off of the back of the couch into the training area.  We worked on obedience - heeling and recalls.

Day 1 = Success!  Looking forward to Day 2.

Louie - before the show

I took this photo of Louie right before we were going to leave for a "dog show" - agility trial.  He was so excited to go that he didn't want to "stay" for a picture.  I was able to get this quick one before he raced for the door. 



He qualified that weekend - was 20 seconds under course time.  Not bad for a dog who is almost thirteen years old.

Louie's Agility Run